Physical violence

Any violent behaviour or threats of violence. It can be directed at you, or your children, pets or property.

It might be:

punching

hitting

kicking

pushing, or

choking

Sexual assault

Sexual behaviour you don’t want, such as being forced into sexual activity against your will.

Verbal or emotional abuse

Behaviour that makes you feel worthless and put down. This can include yelling, insulting, name-calling and swearing.

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour that makes you do or believe things you wouldn’t normally. It may stop you from seeing people or leaving the house. You may be stopped from spiritual or cultural participation that is important to you.

Stalking

Behaviour that makes you feel harassed or intimidated. This could be:

repeated phone calls or messages

unwanted or obsessive attention

someone following or monitoring you

Technology facilitated abuse

When someone monitors what you do online. This may include:

checking your computer and phone use

using spyware on your phone to track you

publishing intimate photos of you without your consent

Financial abuse

Behaviour limiting your access to money. Warning signs might be:

not being able to have money of your own

being stopped from working

having to account for how you spend your money

Elder abuse

Harmful behaviour in a relationship of trust with an older person. It could be:

emotional

psychological

financial

physical

sexual, or

neglect

Types of relationships

Family and domestic violence can affect anyone in all types of relationships. It can occur in:

past or current intimate relationships. This includes dating or living together, regardless of gender or sexuality

relationships involving carers of people with a disability or a medical condition